Solid wood furniture handcrafted in northern Indiana
Manasses Henry Furniture Company
FURNITURE CARE

Quality to Span Generations

Manasses Henry pieces are built to last a lifetime, but they still need the right environment and a little routine care. Solid hardwood moves with temperature and humidity, and your habits at home make a real difference over time.

DUST SOFTLY
CONTROL HUMIDITY
PROTECT SURFACES
EVERYDAY CARE

Dos & Don’ts of Everyday Care

Simple habits protect the finish and help solid hardwood age with grace.

Do

  • Wipe dust with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth.
  • Blot spills promptly with a clean cloth.
  • Use coasters, placemats and trivets to protect tabletops from heat and moisture.
  • Use a regular furniture polish appropriate for wood surfaces, especially on our standard polyurethane finish.

Don’t

  • Don’t use harsh or caustic cleaners such as bleach, strong detergents, ammonia-based products or abrasive powders.
  • Don’t flood the surface with water or cleaning solution.
  • Don’t place hot pans, dishes or appliances directly on the wood.
  • Don’t drag sharp or rough objects across the surface.
HUMIDITY & MOVEMENT

Solid hardwood responds to the room around it

Because our furniture is 100% solid hardwood, some movement is natural. Wood expands as humidity rises and contracts as it falls. Expect a piece to take up to a year to fully acclimate to your home.

In very dry or very damp conditions, you may notice:

  • Small gaps opening or closing
  • Slight changes in panel alignment
  • Minor checks or hairline cracks

35–55%

recommended relative humidity whenever possible

FINISH CARE

Two finishes, two care rhythms

Most pieces use a protective polyurethane topcoat. Traditional oil and beeswax finishes ask for a more hands-on relationship with the wood.

Polyurethane Finishes

  • Dust regularly with a soft cloth.
  • Clean light soil with a slightly damp cloth, followed by a dry one.
  • Use standard furniture polish occasionally for extra sheen.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads.

Natural Oil & Beeswax

  • Expect a softer, more natural feel.
  • Re-oil a couple of times per year, especially on tabletops and high-contact surfaces.
  • Wipe spills promptly.
  • Apply the provided oil/beeswax when the surface looks dry or loses luster.
SMALL SCRATCHES & DENTS

Minor marks are part of living with solid wood

In many cases, small marks can be softened or improved at home. When in doubt, contact us before attempting a repair.

01

Clean the area

Use a soft, slightly damp cloth and let the surface dry fully.

02

Identify the finish

Assess polyurethane versus oil and choose an appropriate touch-up product or wax pencil.

03

Work with the grain

For fine scratches, lightly rub the product along the scratch, then gently buff with a clean cloth.

04

Refresh oil-finished dents

A light reapplication of oil can sometimes minimize small dents on oil-finished pieces.

05

Ask before deep repairs

If the mark is deep or prominent, contact us before attempting a repair.

CARE PRODUCTS & REORDERING

The same products we use in the shop

We keep lemon oil furniture polish, beeswax and oil care products on hand for customers. These can be purchased and shipped so you can keep your pieces looking their best. If you’re not sure which product you need, we can help you choose based on your finish and how the piece is used.

CONTACT THE SHOP